Useful Information

Tourist Information

Edinburgh is a historic and picturesque city, famous for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace. The city is also known for major cultural events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The official tourism website provides up-to-date information on attractions and events. Edinburgh Airport is located about 13 km west of the city centre and offers connections across Europe and beyond. Convenient transport options include trams, buses, and taxis.

Payment Cards

Most businesses in Edinburgh accept major credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless payments are widely used, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, or tips.

Business Hours

Typical business hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Many shops stay open later, especially in the city centre. Restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:00 to 14:30 and dinner from 17:30 to 22:00, though hours can vary.

Time Zone

Edinburgh follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC +0) and switches to British Summer Time (BST, UTC +1) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Electricity

The UK uses a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. Plugs are type G, with three rectangular pins, so travellers may need an adapter.

Weather

In May, Edinburgh experiences cool to mild weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 15°C (59°F). Conditions can change quickly, so it’s advisable to bring layers and a waterproof jacket.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

In case of emergencies, dial 999 or 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available across the city. Licensed black cabs can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks. Ride-hailing services such as Uber also operate in Edinburgh.

Public Transportation

Edinburgh has a reliable public transport system, mainly consisting of buses and trams. The Lothian Buses network covers most of the city, and trams connect the airport with the city centre. Day tickets and contactless payments make getting around easy.

RIPE NCC has negotiated a couple of discount codes for RIPE 92 attendees:

• Lothian Trams: Use code RIPE20 to receive a 20% discount on tram tickets. This can be actioned through the Edinburgh Ticket website (available for the duration of the conference, 18-22 May inclusive).

Enjoy your time in Edinburgh and around!